Communique by Dire Straits on Apple Music 9 Songs iTunes Review Dire Straits released a definitive self-titled debut album with a huge hit in “Sultans of Swing” that meant the odds were against their second album living up to their sudden reputation. Remove the pressure to better themselves and accept their second album, which appeared less than a year later, and Communique is as dazzling an album in its own time. Artistically speaking, the songs on Communique are every bit as compelling and the playing is every bit as focused and refined. In fact, it wouldn’t seem out of the question to wonder if tracks such as “Once Upon a Time In the West,” “Lady Writer” and “Angel of Mercy” weren’t taken from the same sessions. Singer-guitarist Mark Knopfler’s abilities to control the mood are first-rate and sublime. Unlike the journeymen bluesmen who’ve obviously inspired him, Knopfler is able to craft transcendent recordings that speak loudly without raising their voice. How else to describe the quiet magic of “News”? Or the sweet pulse of “Follow Me Home”?

Funnily enough, criticisms that this album’s accomplishments were too modest would lead to the stirring anthems of the group’s next album, Making Movies. Customer Reviews by Knutty4Knopfler Communique, Dire Straits’ second studio album, was probably also their most underrated. No, “Sultans of Swing” is not here, and neither is “Money for Nothing,” but that doesn’t mean the album isn’t great in its own write (pun on “Lady Writer” intended). “Once Upon A Time In the West” starts off this album with a classic Mark Knopfler guitar riff, launching into one of the best songs in the album. “Once Upon A Time” is gruff yet seductive, and the guitar here is wonderful. “News” follows up rather dully, but that doesn’t last long. “Where Do You Think You’re Going,” another favorite of mine, begins with acoustic guitar and builds to a great instrumental finish “Communique” is another great track, typical early Dire Straits. “Lady Writer,” is the best track on the album.

It is sound-wise very similar to “Sultans of Swing,” catchy, upbeat, and featuring excellent riffing and soloing by Knopfler. “Angel of Mercy,” with an almost gospel chorus, follows, and then the very fine “Portobello Belle.” On an album of guitar solos, the fantastic “Single-Handed Sailor” has the best. To close the album, there’s the mystical “Follow Me Home.” While not all of these songs are great, most are very good and none at all are bad. However, much Communique isn’t for people new to Dire Straits. For these people, I would recommend starting with “Lady Writer,” “Communque” and “Portobello Belle” to get a sense of the band’s style. Great by David_DBB I really don't get why this album is so underrated. To me, it has everything Dire Straits and MK is all about. Great guitar riffs and mytical, transporting lyrics. Lay down, close your eyes, enjoy every single note and you'll understand.

Biography Formed: 1977 in London, England Genre: Rock Years Active: '70s, '80s, '90s Dire Straits emerged during the post-punk era of the late '70s, and while their sound was minimalistic and stripped down, they owed little to punk. If anything, the band was a direct outgrowth of the roots revivalism of pub rock, but where pub rock celebrated good times, Dire Straits were melancholy. Led by guitarist/vocalist Mark Knopfler, the group built their sound upon the laid-back blues-rock of J.J. Cale, but they also had jazz and country inflections, occasionally dipping into the epic song... Top Albums and Songs by Dire Straits 1.

Communiqué (album) by Dire Straits : Best Ever Albums Communiqué (album) by Dire Straits This album At A Glance Communiqué by Dire Straits (1979) Overall rank: 2,230th Top albums of 1979 ( 44th ) Top albums of the 1970s ( 451st ) Best albums of all time ( 2,230th ) Dire Straits COMMUNIQUE HS-3330 Good Condition PROMO COPY Condition: Used DIRE STRAITS communique 1979 YUGOSLAVIAN CASSETTE Condition: Very Good Dire Straits Communique Limited Import, Limited Edition Super Audio CD UIGY-9635 Condition: Brand New Go to store Dire Straits bestography Communiqué is ranked 6th best out of 13 albums by Dire Straits on BestEverAlbums.com. The best album by Dire Straits is Brothers In Arms which is ranked number 221 in the list of all-time albums with a total rank score of 10,506.

Dire Straits album bestography The tracks on this album have an average rating of 77 out of 100 (all tracks have been rated). # Latest 20 charts that this album appears in: Year Showing latest 5 ratings for this album. | Show all 154 ratings for this album. Rating Showing all 7 comments | Most Helpful First | Newest First (Only showing comments with -2 votes or higher. You can alter this threshold from your profile page. Manage Profile ) Rating: From garycottier 07/07/2016 19:32 The least essential of the first four Dire Straits albums. It's okay, but it doesn't contain any killer tracks like the other three records do. Still, it's alright, just a bit forgettable. Helpful?

(Log in to vote) | 0 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful) From mandomikey 12/24/2015 00:16 To my ears, all of the Straits' records between 1978-1985 could interchangeaby be considered their best work, but I'm not okay with a 5 way tie. Helpful? (Log in to vote) | 0 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful) Rating: From mtr1979 06/09/2015 21:30 Not a bad album. Lady Writer and Once Upon Time In The West are very good. Angel Of Mercy is a very catchy tune and an under-rated song. Helpful? (Log in to vote) | 0 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful) Rating: From dsaga 06/13/2014 12:07 Thanks to my father, I'm a fan of dIREsTRAITS and this is my favorite album from them. It's their most underrated album, strange because the songs are very consistent.

You can judge the quality of the album by listening "Single-Handed Sailor" which is the weakest one IMO => it's quiet good with a very nice guitar line. Definitly better than "Industrial Disease" or "One World" coming from better rated albums... Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful) Rating: From subtleman22 03/10/2013 13:17 Their least focused effort, but some strong songs in “Lady Writer” and “Once Upon A Time In The West.” Helpful? (Log in to vote) | 0 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful) Rating: Amazon.com: Making Movies: Dire Straits: MP3 Downloads TITLE added to MP3 cart Making Movies MP3 Music, December 9, 2008 "Please retry" Your Amazon Music account is currently associated with a different marketplace. To enjoy Prime Music, go to Your Music Library and transfer your account to Amazon.com (US). Fix in Music Library Sold by Amazon Digital Services LLC. Additional taxes may apply. By placing your order, you agree to our Terms of Use .

Related Video Shorts Customers Also Bought These Albums Page 1 of 1 Start over Page 1 of 1 Original Release Date: June 1, 1980 Release Date: December 9, 2008 Label: Warner Bros. Record Company Required Metadata: Music file metadata contains unique purchase identifier. Learn more . Total Length: 37:55 ByA customeron August 3, 2000 Format: Audio CD Although it produced no hit singles, "Making Movies" is beyond question Dire Straits' masterpiece. Mark Knopfler's ripping guitar forms the backdrop for seven beautiful, haunting, fiercely personal cuts. Every song perfectly captures a deep human emotion, from the bitter heartache of "Romeo And Juliet" to the angry defiance of "Solid Rock" to the steamy lustfulness of "Expresso Love". There are no weak songs, though the bouncy and playful "Les Boys", which ends the album, seems a bit out of place compared to the six deadly earnest songs that precede it. Yes, the album owes a heavy debt of gratitude to Springsteen, with many cuts building on the Boss's signature guitar/organ/piano framework.

But, Knopfler's vocal delivery and deft guitar work, plus the band's sparser and cleaner arrangements, never allow you to forget that you're listening to Dire Straits. Only "Tunnel Of Love", which sounds like a cross between "Thunder Road" and "Sandy" strays a little too far into Bruce's territory but for that the boys can be forgiven. One tip: this album must be heard in its entirety to be fully appreciated. It will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotion, something that no greatest hits album can ever duplicate. By Brad Shorr on February 7, 2003 Format: Audio CD This is not only my favorite Dire Straits recording, it is one of my favorite rock CD's of all time. Never has Mark Knopfler's guitar work been more passionate. Never have his lyrics been more poetic. Never have his vocals been more emotive. "Tunnel of Love" has an unforgettable melody, dreamlike lyrics, and a haunting guitar that add up to one of the greatest songs ever. "Romeo and Juliet" tells a heartbreaking story, told perfectly thanks to Knopfler's dead-on vocals.

Not a weak song to be found in this masterpiece. By Thornytoes on April 17, 2000 Format: Audio CD|Verified Purchase Mark Knophler's 1980 classic 'Making Movies' signaled a positive change in direction for this extraordinary guitarist and songwriter. David Knophler checks out on this one and is never missed. On this album, Mark Knophler moved away from the heavy blues influences that prevailed on the 'Dire Straits' and 'Communique' and created simply the greatest 5-song Rock'n'Roll Love Ballad ever recorded. 'Tunnel of Love' takes you to a familiar place with tasteful and riveting guitar interwoven with the message of love and passion. As if that is not enough, 'Romeo and Juliet' played entirely over a classical guitar melody brings to life the tale of two lovers vexed by time and circumstance. I can only think of Westside Story when I hear this again and again. There is no tiring of this song. 'Skateaway' and 'Expresso Love' continue this familiar lyrical theme with seductive harmonies and guitar licks at every turn.

When I hear 'Solid Rock', you wonder if it really is Bob Dylan Singing! The first 5 tracks on the LP/CD are arguably the most passionately executed love songs put to vinyl (or whatever) that I can ever remember. Maybe only Van Morrison rivals Knopler's ability to pen and play remarkable love ballads. If you are in love, this CD will move you to tears. If you are not, it will make you wish you were. One often-forgotten notable on this LP/CD is Roy Bittan. His extraordinary piano accompaniment on each of these tracks is as integral as Knophler's guitar. If ever a session musician had a fundamental impact on the sound of a recording, it is here with Roy Bittan. Familiar to Springsteen fans, his piano accompaniment adds so much color to each track and compliments Knophler in a natural, beautiful way. To take him out of this recording, it would sound hollow and incomplete. The only downer on this album is the final track 'Les Boys.' I am sure Knophler wishes he could have replaced this one with anything else. It completely does not fit with the perfection of the other 6 songs.

Who knows what he was thinking with this song. This album, while not initially a commercial success, has aged so well that it continues to be as fresh now as it was 20+ years ago. Top 10 Dire Straits Songs Top 10 Dire Straits Songs By Michael Gallucci July 20, 2013 11:38 AM REDDIT Warner Bros. Records Dire Straits came out of nowhere when their debut album was released in 1978. Really. They had formed only the year before and hadn’t gigged much before they recorded a demo tape that caught the attention of record-company execs. They were an immediate hit, especially with rock radio, which embraced their clean, guitar-based sound. After a few stumbles — a boring second album, a great but unheralded third one — frontman Mark Knopfler led them to the top of the charts in 1985 with ‘Brothers in Arms,’ one of the decade’s biggest sellers. They made only one more album after that before calling it quits in 1995. The Top 10 Dire Straits Songs celebrate their best.

10 From: ‘Love Over Gold’ (1982) In the early ’80s, things weren’t going so well for British industry. On top of, and in addition to, everything else, workers’ strikes, anxiety and physical and mental illnesses were fall-out symptoms of the decline of British manufacturing during the era. Knopfler rolls through a bunch of aftershocks — some real, some made up — on this musically springy cut from the band’s fourth album. From: ‘Love Over Gold’ (1982) Running almost seven minutes, the sprawling ‘Private Investigations’ feels like an epic from its very first droning notes. Knopfler spins a film noir-style tale of diaries, whiskey bottles and shuttered blinds as classical acoustic guitar picks away ominously in the background. This is Dire Straits at their most literary-minded and atmospheric. From: ‘Brothers in Arms’ (1985) Before ‘Brothers in Arms’ became a monster-selling album and the band’s only No. 1 LP in the U.S., ‘So Far Away’ was released as the record’s first single in the U.K. It was released in the U.S.

as the third single, long after ‘Brothers in Arms’ was on its way to multi-platinum glory, reaching the Top 20. Either way, it opens the album and is one of its most scaled-down cuts. Nothing too fancy — just straight-up, laid-back rock at its cleanest. From: ‘Twisting by the Pool’ EP (1983) In between ‘Love Over Gold,’ their most difficult album, and ‘Brothers in Arms,’ which made them global stars, Dire Straits released a four-song EP of retro-leaning rock and swing cuts. They’re mostly throwaway numbers, but the record’s anchor song is loads of fun, a Chuck Berry-style rocker that presages the more popular ‘Walk of Life’ (see No. 5 on our list of the Top 10 Dire Straits Songs). Following the commercial and critical bomb of their second album, 1979’s ‘Communiqué,’ Dire Straits returned the next year — tighter, more focused and armed with their best set of songs. ‘Making Movies’ keeps those songs at the center of the picture, pushing aside the wayward habits of the group’s first two albums.

‘Skateaway’ sticks closer to a traditional rock-radio format than any other song on the album. From: ‘Brothers in Arms’ (1985) Dire Straits’ biggest album is filled with several drawn-out set pieces that rely on the slow build to set their mood (two songs clock in at more than eight minutes; another three are more than six). But one of its best songs — which almost didn’t make the album — barely pushes past the four-minute mark. ‘Walk of Life’ was originally released as the B-side to the U.K. ‘So Far Away’ single (see No. 8 on our list of the Top 10 Dire Straits Songs) that came out before ‘Brothers in Arms.’ It eventually made it to the A-side, hitting the Top 10 all over the world. One of Knopfler’s loveliest songs, and maybe his all-around greatest composition, ‘Romeo and Juliet’ bridges Shakespeare, ‘West Side Story’ and a modern rock ‘n’ roll love story where fame, not family, is keeping the young lovers apart. The single didn’t chart in the U.S.

— a shame, because it’s one of Knopfler’s most timeless songs. A companion piece of sorts to the same album’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ (see No. 4 on our list of the Top 10 Dire Straits Songs), ‘Tunnel of Love’ is the sprawling set piece of the band’s third album, an eight-minute epic that ends with Knopfler’s all-time greatest guitar solo. Following the dismal ‘Communiqué,’ ‘Making Movies’ marked a creative, if not exactly, commercial comeback. They’d have to wait another five years for that. From: ‘Brothers in Arms’ (1985) Ironically, Dire Straits’ biggest hit (and only No. 1) — a take-down of MTV and its building up of disposable pop stars — was a massive hit on the music-video network and made the band temporary pop stars. With a hook sung by fellow British serious-artist-turned-radio-star Sting , ‘Money for Nothing’ wants it both ways. No matter: It’s a pivotal ’80s track. Dire Straits had little more than a demo and a few gigs behind them when they released their self-titled debut album in 1978.

And for the most part, that record shows their relative inexperience. Besides a few cuts, it’s filled mostly with forgettable guitar-based jams and the skeletal frames of half-thought-out songs. But their debut single, ‘Sultans of Swing,’ is a masterwork of precisely pointed guitar, a ringing rhythm section and late-night cool. It earned Knopfler a gig with Bob Dylan and put the band in the history books. What’s Your Favorite Dire Straits Song? Did we overlook one of your favorite Dire Straits songs in our Top 10 list? Let us know what you think we should have included in the comments section below. Top 100 Classic Rock Songs Welcome back to Ultimate Classic Rock It appears that you already have an account created within our VIP network of sites on . To keep your personal information safe, we need to verify that it's really you. To activate your account, please confirm your password. When you have confirmed your password, you will be able to log in through Facebook on both sites. Enter your password YES, Activate My Account Now! Welcome back to Ultimate Classic Rock It appears that you already have an account on this site associated with . To connect your existing account just click on the account activation button below.

You will maintain your existing VIP profile. After you do this, you will be able to always log in to using your original account information. Making Movies by Dire Straits on Apple Music 7 Songs iTunes Review After their second album, Communique was considered by some critics to be too subtle and too close to the band’s stellar self-titled debut album, singer-guitarist Mark Knopfler set out to write a few tunes that exhibited his ambitions as a songwriter. His brother David departed the group, leaving even more room for Knopfler to fill. He responded with his tightest and strongest set of tunes to date. “Tunnel of Love,” “Romeo and Juliet” and “Skateaway,” which comprised the album’s first side, come together as a stirring suite that use all the dynamics at hand to deliver an emotive punch every bit the equal to the stories Knopfler told with the lyrics and with his impeccably expressive lead guitar playing. His leaning towards Dylan’s folk ghosts were met with a Springsteen-esque sense of purpose. The album’s second side flowed differently: as distinct songs that each shined their spotlights on different aspects of the group.

Even at five minutes, “Expresso Love” had the feel of a hit single. “Hand In Hand” turned to the piano for a ballad. “Solid Rock” worked off a bar-band strut. Hard to believe, their most successful album was yet to come. Customer Reviews by Knutty4Knopfler Dire Straits is one of the most underrated bands of all time. People only know Dire Straits from “Sultans of Swing” and the Brothers in Arms album, and they often forget that Mark Knopfler and crew made a lot of good stuff in between. When the first chord strikes in the epic opener “Tunnel of Love,” I get shivers down my spine. A musical roller coaster ride has begun. After the brilliant and heartbreaking “Tunnel of Love,” comes “Romeo and Juliet” – perhaps the most beautiful love ballad ever composed. Mark Knopfler’s near-drawl singing style works perfectly here, conveying the agony and passion Romeo feels for Juliet. After “Romeo and Juliet” comes “Skateaway,” which should become the worldwide anthem for not only roller skaters but for anyone who feels out of place because they’re different.

Next up is “Expresso Love,” which I think is a highlight of the album. “Expresso Love” is at once exciting, fervent, and dynamic with its upbeat, driving rhythm and growling rhythm guitar. While not as intense as “Romeo and Juliet,” “Hand in Hand” covers the same romantic theme. “Solid Rock” certainly lives up to its name – it is wild, unbridled, unadulterated rock. If only the awful “Les Boys,” a Dire Straits all-time low, had been left out, Making Movies would be perfect. I highly recommend getting every other track on this album. You will be amazed at the quality and magnificence of Making Movies. Epic by halsmithdvm This album is epic. I own it in vinyl, on cd and have downloaded it onto my ipod. Every cut with the exception of "Les Boys" gets 5 stars. Glorious - but of course, it by In love in Bethesda This was the one that woke me up to Dire Straits..I fell in love while listening to this-and it's been part of the soundtrack of my life so far..extraordinary.

Mark K has probably the loveliest, most personal voice and has always been the epitome of maleness and intelligence for me. I could spend alot of money buying his most recent music - but this album will always be it for me. Absolutely the best. Biography Formed: 1977 in London, England Genre: Rock Years Active: '70s, '80s, '90s Dire Straits emerged during the post-punk era of the late '70s, and while their sound was minimalistic and stripped down, they owed little to punk. If anything, the band was a direct outgrowth of the roots revivalism of pub rock, but where pub rock celebrated good times, Dire Straits were melancholy. Led by guitarist/vocalist Mark Knopfler, the group built their sound upon the laid-back blues-rock of J.J. Cale, but they also had jazz and country inflections, occasionally dipping into the epic song... Top Albums and Songs by Dire Straits 1.

Dire Straits | rhino.com Dire Straits Happy Anniversary: Dire Straits, MAKING MOVIES Submitted by rhino on Mon, 10/17/2016 - 1:48pm 36 years ago today, Dire Straits released their third album, one which found the band teaming up with producer Jimmy Iovine to create an LP which some fans consider to be the best of their entire career.

Tags: Once Upon a Time in the Top Spot: Dire Straits, Brothers in Arms Submitted by rhino on Wed, 08/31/2016 - 11:10am 31 years ago today, Dire Straits ascended to the pinnacle of Billboard’s Top 200 Albums chart with a whole lot of help from a song extolling the virtues of rock stardom, specifically the ability to “get your money for nothing and your chicks for free.” Tags: Dire Straits Submitted by rhino on Thu, 05/19/2016 - 12:00am Mark Knopfler didn't always get “money for nothing”; after his divorce, he moved in with his brother David to save on rent, prompting a friend to dub their new band “Dire Straits.” They might not have had much cash, but they put what they did have to good use – it took all of £120 to record their first major label single, “Sultans Of Swing,” released on this day in 1978 (and eventually a Top 10 hit on both sides of the Atlantic).

Happy 30th: Dire Straits, Brothers in Arms Submitted by rhino on Thu, 05/14/2015 - 3:51pm 30 years ago today, Dire Straits released the best album of their career. Yes, of course, it’s all a matter of opinion, but that’s likely the predominant opinion as far as the unwashed masses are concerned. You’d be surprised – and probably a little disappointed – as to just how few people could tell you the name of another Dire Straits album beyond Brothers in Arms. Then again, when an album sells 30 million copies worldwide, it’s not exactly a shocker that a whole bunch of people have come to be familiar with it.

Tags: Happy Anniversary: Dire Straits, Making Movies Submitted by rhino on Fri, 10/17/2014 - 11:24am 34 years ago today, Dire Straits released Making Movies, an album which failed to change the band’s then-declining chart fortunes in the US – their debut hit #2, but their sophomore effort, Communiqué, only climbed to #11, and this one topped out at #19 – but provided them with their third consecutive top-five album in the UK. Making Movies was co-produced by Dire Straits frontman and songwriter Mark Knopfler with Jimmy Iovine, a pairing which came about as a result of Knopfler being so smitten by the sound of Patti Smith’s cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “Because the Night.” In addition to his own work on the album, Iovine also helped the band secure E Street Band keyboardist Roy Bittan for the Making Movies sessions, which definitely added a new element to the Dire Straits sound.

Tags: Happy Birthday: Mark Knopfler Submitted by rhino on Tue, 08/12/2014 - 3:15pm Today marks the 65th birthday of the man who brought you “Sultans of Swing,” “Romeo & Juliet” (the one that wasn’t written by Shakespeare), and extolled the virtues of getting money for nothing and your chicks for free. Born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1949, Mark Freuder Knopfler was inspired to play guitar by Hank Marvin of the Shadows…or if he wasn’t, he was certainly inspired by Marvin enough that he desperately wanted his very own Fiesta Red Fender Stratocaster. In the end, economic realities resulted in him getting started with a twin-pickup Hofner Super Solid instead, but it was enough to get him started in a band or two. Prior to adopting the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle as a full-time endeavor, Knopfler spent a bit of time studying journalism at Harlow College, even picking up a position as a junior reporter for the Yorkshire Evening Post, before ultimately graduating from the University of Leeds with a degree in English.

After stints in the bands Silverheels and Brewers Droop, as well as forming a duo with Steve Phillips called the Duolian String Pickers, Knopfler really got serious with a group called the Café Racers, and before long, Mark, his brother (and rhythm guitarist), David, bassist John Illsley, and drummer Pick Withers had begun the Dire Straits story. Tags: Happy Anniversary: Dire Straits, Brothers in Arms Submitted by rhino on Tue, 05/13/2014 - 12:23pm 29 years ago today, Dire Straits released the album that proved to be the most significant commercial success of their career…and then some: not only has Brothers in Arms sold 30 million copies worldwide, it topped the UK album chart for 10 weeks (it’s the eighth best-selling album in UK chart history), topped the US album chart for nine weeks (which, as it happens, is one week for each time it’s gone platinum), and topped the Australian album chart for 34 freaking weeks, which –while not proving it – certainly does nothing to dispel our time-tested theory: Australians love Mark Knopfler.

Tags: Stay Tuned By Stan Cornyn: Dire Straits Submitted by rhino on Mon, 11/25/2013 - 4:11pm Every Tuesday and Thursday, former Warner Bros. Records executive and industry insider Stan Cornyn ruminates on the past, present, and future of the music business. 1985 A&R originally stood for men whose job was to combine Artists who sang with Repertoire – the songs they’d sing. It was, to oversimplify the job of whoever got a singer like Al Jolson on the label, then found a song like “Mammy” for him to perform. The term A&R has lasted, but now it means much more. It means producers who sit in booths and enhance recordings, but it also means producers who just can hear a voice and say “That group’s for us. Let’s sign ‘em.” Back to Warner Bros. Records in Manhattan, where its NY chief (over from Atlantic) now is Jerry Wexler. Wexler had left his home, Atlantic Records, to become WBR’s bird dog in the East. Jerry is a producer, of course. But now he’s hired an assistant, one who’s a talent scout.

Tags: Dire Straits - Making Movies - Amazon.com Music Making Movies Audio CD, Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered, September 19, 2000 "Please retry" Includes FREE MP3 version of this album. Provided by Amazon Digital Services LLC. Terms and Conditions . Does not apply to gift orders. Complete your purchase to save the MP3 version to your music library. See all buying options $3.99 Free Shipping for Prime Members | Fast, FREE Shipping with Amazon Prime In Stock. Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. Gift-wrap available. Frequently Bought Together Add all three to Cart Add all three to List Buy the selected items together This item:Making Movies by Dire Straits Audio CD $3.99 In Stock. Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. FREE Shipping on orders over $49. Details Dire Straits by Dire Straits Audio CD $3.99 In Stock. Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. FREE Shipping on orders over $49. Details Communique by Dire Straits Audio CD $6.99 In Stock. Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. FREE Shipping on orders over $49.

Details Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought Page 1 of 1 Start over Page 1 of 1 This shopping feature will continue to load items. In order to navigate out of this carousel please use your heading shortcut key to navigate to the next or previous heading. Next Special Offers and Product Promotions Editorial Reviews Product Description The best-selling albums from the greaatest artists on Warner Bros. have never sounded better than on their new Warner Remasters editions. State-of-the-art digitally remastered, each album sounds dramatically superior to its original CD release. In addition, the packaging returns each album to its original artwork and graphics. Certified Platinum by the RIAA. (7/01) Amazon.com Making Movies is Dire Straits's third album and includes several epic numbers that remain among Mark Knopfler's finest work. "Tunnel of Love, " "Romeo And Juliet" (covered by the Indigo Girls), and "Solid Rock" all work with the same distinctive galloping rhythm underneath Knopfler's country-blues staccato guitar. The addition of Springsteen's E Street Band pianist Roy Bittan hardly seems less a coincidence considering the Springsteen-esque tone of the material.

--Rob O'Connor Stream Making Movies by Dire Straits and tens of millions of other songs on all your devices with Amazon Music Unlimited . Exclusive discount for Prime members. Sample this album Artist (Sample) 1 Listen Now $1.29 Sold by Amazon Digital Services LLC. Additional taxes may apply. By placing your order, you agree to our Terms of Use . Product Details Audio CD (September 19, 2000) Original Release Date: 1980 By James C Young on February 5, 2015 Format: Audio CD|Verified Purchase I love Dire Straits, all of their albums are great. This one just happens to be one of my favorites of the group. The review is for the SHM Mini LP Cd limited version of one of my favorite albums by this incredibly diverse band. This is a hard item to locate, but it is obtainable. I guess this album is my personal favorite of their work because it was popular about the time I started listening to serious music and it was also the beginning of the MTV era. I remember the video for "Skateaway" very fondly and I was hooked by that song alone.

This version includes a limited edition picture of the center of the LP that is numbered. It also has a booklet with mostly Japanese writing and the words to the songs listed alongside its Japanese lyrics in English. It also has a mini inner printed sleeve as well and the round bottom static protective sleeve that all Japanese Vinyl Lps come with. The songs include the following: 1. Tunnel Of Love By kate on January 9, 2015 Format: Audio CD|Verified Purchase I've known this album from before and wanted to have it as an original CD since i have a great new sound system at home. It is rather hard to find rock albums that have payed much attention to sound quality but this one is fine. I had the feeling it would be. When it comes to comparing, Chris Rea's Auberge is an album with similar atmosphere and style, but even better sound quality. Making movies is an album with great lyrics that has always something new for you to notice, jet unobtrusive in a way that you can have it on repeat all day and not get tired of it.

By Thornytoes on April 17, 2000 Format: Audio CD|Verified Purchase Mark Knophler's 1980 classic 'Making Movies' signaled a positive change in direction for this extraordinary guitarist and songwriter. David Knophler checks out on this one and is never missed. On this album, Mark Knophler moved away from the heavy blues influences that prevailed on the 'Dire Straits' and 'Communique' and created simply the greatest 5-song Rock'n'Roll Love Ballad ever recorded. 'Tunnel of Love' takes you to a familiar place with tasteful and riveting guitar interwoven with the message of love and passion. As if that is not enough, 'Romeo and Juliet' played entirely over a classical guitar melody brings to life the tale of two lovers vexed by time and circumstance. I can only think of Westside Story when I hear this again and again. There is no tiring of this song. 'Skateaway' and 'Expresso Love' continue this familiar lyrical theme with seductive harmonies and guitar licks at every turn. When I hear 'Solid Rock', you wonder if it really is Bob Dylan Singing!

The first 5 tracks on the LP/CD are arguably the most passionately executed love songs put to vinyl (or whatever) that I can ever remember. Maybe only Van Morrison rivals Knopler's ability to pen and play remarkable love ballads. If you are in love, this CD will move you to tears. If you are not, it will make you wish you were. One often-forgotten notable on this LP/CD is Roy Bittan. His extraordinary piano accompaniment on each of these tracks is as integral as Knophler's guitar. If ever a session musician had a fundamental impact on the sound of a recording, it is here with Roy Bittan. Familiar to Springsteen fans, his piano accompaniment adds so much color to each track and compliments Knophler in a natural, beautiful way. To take him out of this recording, it would sound hollow and incomplete. The only downer on this album is the final track 'Les Boys.' I am sure Knophler wishes he could have replaced this one with anything else. It completely does not fit with the perfection of the other 6 songs. Who knows what he was thinking with this song.

This album, while not initially a commercial success, has aged so well that it continues to be as fresh now as it was 20+ years ago. Dire Straits sheet music and tabs - download and print | Sheet Music Direct More... Fewer... Dire Straits Sheet Music Few groups can claim to be synonymous with a lifestyle, but Dire Straits are an exception, whether they like it or not. Brothers In Arms, released in 1985, established them as the first real darlings of the compact disc 20-something generation that grew out of the boom years of the 80s. Their accessible, traditional blues-based music made them perfect for the massive, mature, relatively wealthy strata of the public that likes its music tightly performed and readily digestible. The album was number 1 in the US charts for nine weeks and spent three years in the UK chart. Surprisingly, Dire Straits first surfaced during a period that was the antipathy of what they were to become - the London punk scene of 1976/7.

Mark Knopfler and his brother David Knopfler were the sons of an architect who moved to Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England, when the boys were young. Mark Knopfler studied English literature at Leeds University, and for a short while worked as a junior reporter with the Yorkshire Evening Post and with an Essex local newspaper. After university he played in a part-time pub band called Brewer's Droop but his main income was drawn from teaching. The Knopflers moved to London during the early 70s and Mark met bass player John Illsley and drummer Pick Withers. Illsley, a sociology graduate, was working in a record shop and Withers had been a session drummer for many years. The climate was not right for the group as punk took a grip on music and almost every UK record label passed on the offer to press up Dire Straits' polished music. One song began to stand out from their repertoire, a basic blues progression with dry, affectionate lyrics, entitled 'Sultans Of Swing' , it contained the line 'check out guitar George, he knows all the chords', allegedly referring to jobbing guitarist George Borowski.

It was picked up by Radio London DJ and Oval Records proprietor, Charlie Gillett, and by the end of 1977 the group was recording their debut, Dire Straits, for Vertigo Records with producer Muff Winwood. 'Sultans Of Swing' was a hit first in Holland and later made the UK Top 10. The powerful Warner Brothers Records took over distribution in the USA and aggressively backed the album until in March 1979 it had reached number 2 in the Billboard chart. 'Sultans Of Swing' also reached the US Top 5. Their second single, 'Lady Writer' , was a relative failure but it did not impair their attraction as an 'albums band'. Dire Straits' second album Communiqué, produced by Jerry Wexler and Barry Beckett, sold three million copies worldwide. It missed the commercial edge of the debut but developed Knopfler's trademark incisive, cynical lyricism. Before the recording of Making Movies, David Knopfler opted out to begin a solo career and has since released acclaimed records with various small independent labels. He was replaced by Hal Lindes, with Alan Clark joining on keyboards at the same time.

Knopfler was heavily criticized for not varying his songwriting formula but the album still spawned a UK Top 10 single with the poignant love ballad, 'Romeo And Juliet' . Love Over Gold fared better than its predecessor in the USA and the single from it, 'Private Investigations' ', reached number 2 in the UK during September 1982. Following the Love Over Gold album, Knopfler took time off to produce Bob Dylan's Infidels (1983), and wrote Tina Turner's comeback hit, 'Private Dancer' . Now respected as both a songwriter and an exceptionally gifted guitarist, it looked for a while as if Dire Straits might not record again because of Knopfler's other production commitments with artists as diverse as Aztec Camera, Randy Newman and Willy DeVille. They reassembled, however, in 1983 with ex-Man drummer Terry Williams replacing Withers, and completed an arduous world tour. The Twisting By The Pool EP and a live double album, Alchemy, filled the gap before the band's next studio album release, Brothers In Arms.

Like many others, Dire Straits' appearance at the Live Aid concert boosted sales and their own 200-date tour helped it become one of the decade's biggest-selling albums. Many die-hard fans would shake their head and ask; why" It was an album that by no means could justify such huge sales, especially in view of the fact that the debut and Making Movies were superior collections. Knopfler used Brothers In Arms to make several wry observations on his own position as a rock star, laughing at the folly of videos and the MTV channel on 'Money For Nothing' - a number 1 in the USA, thanks in no small part to constant rotation on MTV, an ironic turn of events later acknowledged by Knopfler. Three other songs from the record, 'Walk Of Life' , 'So Far Away' and the title track, also charted on both sides of the Atlantic, with 'Walk Of Life' reaching number 2 in the UK. With Brothers In Arms still riding high in the charts, Knopfler turned once again to other projects.

Having already written three film scores in 1983 and 1984 (for Local Hero, Cal, and Comfort And Joy), he wrote the music for the fantasy comedy film, The Princess Bride in 1987. With Dire Straits on extended sabbatical, bass player John Illsley also took the chance to release two solo albums, Never Told A Soul in 1984 and Glass in 1988, neither of which sold in significant quantities. In 1990, Knopfler formed an ad hoc and low-key pub band with Brendan Croker and Steve Phillips, called the Notting Hillbillies. Their self-titled debut album was a disappointing, soporific release and the group disbanded after one UK tour. During the summer of 1991 Dire Straits announced a massive 'comeback' tour and the release of a new album, On Every Street. The line-up now comprised Knopfler, Illsley, Clark and guitarist/keyboard player Guy Fletcher. The latter had been appearing with the band since the mid-80s.

While Knopfler strived to find new challenges in various other music-related spheres, his group was able to leave a six-year gap between album releases and still maintain their incredible popularity. This was owing, in no small measure, to masterful global marketing and the unflinching mainstream appeal of their music. Their world tour, taking two years to complete, marked their first concerts since their 1988 appearance as part of the Nelson Mandela birthday concert at London's Wembley Stadium, and was captured on their second live album, On The Night. With Dire Straits on indefinite hold, Mark Knopfler embarked on a solo career in 1996. In 2007, John Illsley tried to tempt Knopfler into reforming Dire Straits for a comeback tour; an attempt that was unsuccessful with Knopfler's solo career flourishing.

Copyright © 2017 Omnibus Press Dire Straits | Download Music, Tour Dates & Video | eMusic Group Members: John Illsley , David Knopfler , A Mark Knopfler Soundtrack/A Shot At Glory , Guy Fletcher , Mark Knopfler , Alan Clark All Music Guide: Dire Straits emerged during the post-punk era of the late '70s, and while their sound was minimalistic and stripped down, they owed little to punk. If anything, the band was a direct outgrowth of the roots revivalism of pub rock, but where pub rock celebrated good times, Dire Straits were melancholy. Led by guitarist/vocalist Mark Knopfler, the group built their sound upon the laid-back blues-rock of J.J. Cale, but they also had jazz and country inflections, occasionally dipping into the epic song structures of progressive rock. The band's music was offset by Knopfler's lyrics, which approximated the winding, stream-of-conscious narratives of Bob Dylan. As their career progressed, Dire Straits became more refined and their new maturity happened to coincide with the rise of MTV and the compact disc.

These two musical revolutions from the mid-'80s helped make Dire Straits' sixth album, Brothers in Arms, an international blockbuster. The band -- along with Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, and Steve Winwood -- become one of the leaders of a group of self-consciously mature veteran rock & rollers in the late '80s that designed their music to appeal to aging baby boomers. Despite the band's international success, they couldn't sustain their stardom, waiting a full six years to deliver a follow-up to Brothers in Arms, by which time their audience had shrunk significantly. Knopfler (born August 12, 1949) was always the main force behind Dire Straits. The son of an architect, Knopfler studied English literature at Leeds University and worked briefly as a rock critic for the Yorkshire Evening Post while at college. He began teaching English after his graduation, leading a pub rock band called Brewer's Droop at night. By 1977, Mark was playing with his brother David (guitar) and his roommate John Illsley (bass). During the summer of 1977, the trio cut a demo with drummer Pick Withers.

A London DJ named Charlie Gillett heard the demo and began playing "Sultans of Swing" on his BBC show Honky Tonkin'. Following a tour opening for Talking Heads, the band began recording their debut for Vertigo Records with producer Muff Winwood in early 1978. By the summer, they had signed with Warner in America, releasing their eponymous debut in the fall. Thanks to the Top Ten hit "Sultans of Swing," Dire Straits was a major success in both Britain and America, with the single and album climbing into the Top Ten on both sides of the Atlantic. Dire Straits established Dire Straits as a major force on album-oriented radio in America, and their second album, Communique (1979), consolidated their audience, selling three million copies worldwide. As the group was recording its third album, David Knopfler left the band to pursue a solo career; he was replaced by former Darling member Hal Lindes. Like its predecessor, Making Movies was a sizable hit in America and Britain, even though the band was criticized for musically treading water.

Nevertheless, the record went gold on the strength of the radio and MTV hits "Romeo and Juliet" and "Skateaway." Dire Straits followed the album two years later with Love Over Gold, an album filled with long, experimental passages, plus the single "Private Investigations," which became a number two hit in the U.K. The album went gold in America and spent four weeks at number one in Britain. Shortly after the release of Love Over Gold, former Rockpile drummer Terry Williams replaced Withers. During 1982, Knopfler began exploring musical avenues outside of Dire Straits, scoring the Bill Forsyth film Local Hero and playing on Van Morrison's Beautiful Vision. Apart from releasing the Twisting by the Pool EP early in 1983, Dire Straits were quiet for the majority of 1983 and 1984, as Knopfler produced Bob Dylan's Infidels, as well as Aztec Camera and Willy DeVille; he also wrote "Private Dancer for Tina Turner's comeback album.

In the spring of 1984, the band released the double album Alchemy: Dire Straits Live and by the end of the year, they had begun recording their fifth studio album with their new keyboardist, Guy Fletcher. Released in the summer of 1985, Brothers in Arms was Dire Straits' breakthrough album, making the band international stars. Supported by the groundbreaking computer-animated video for "Money for Nothing," a song which mocked music videos, the album became a blockbuster, spending nine weeks at the top of the American charts and selling over nine million copies; in England, the album became the biggest-selling album of the '80s. "Walk of Life" and "So Far Away" kept Brothers in Arms in the charts through 1986, and Dire Straits played over 200 dates in support of the album. Once the tour was completed, Dire Straits went on hiatus for several years, as Knopfler produced records by Randy Newman and Joan Armatrading, scored films, toured with Eric Clapton, and recorded a duet album with Chet Atkins (Neck and Neck, 1990).

In 1989, he formed the country-rock group Notting Hillbillies, whose sole album, Missing...Presumed Having a Good Time, became a British hit upon its spring 1990 release. During the extended time off, John Illsley recorded his second album; the first appeared in 1984. In 1990, Knopfler reconvened Dire Straits, which now featured Illsley, Clark, Fletcher, and various session musicians. The band released On Every Street in the fall of 1991 to great anticipation. However, the album failed to meet expectations -- it only went platinum in America and it didn't crack the U.K. Top 40 -- and failed to generate a hit single. Similarly, the tour was a disappointment, with many tickets going unsold in both the U.S. and Europe. Once the tour was completed, the live album On the Night was released in the spring of 1993 and the band again went on hiatus. In 1996, Knopfler launched his solo career with Golden Heart.

Question: Which pop group of the 70's and 80's released albums entitled `Making Movies' and 'Communiqué'?
Answer: DIRE STRAITS